Healthcare Scientist

Job description

Job responsibilities

Laboratory Duties and Technical Services

• Undertake routine and non-routine diagnostic and reference testing within STIRL in accordance with SOPs and quality standards.
• Process specimens, perform culture and subculture, nucleic acid extraction, PCR (including real-time PCR), sequencing, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing following appropriate training.
• Analyse, technically validate, and authorise laboratory results, ensuring accurate and timely entry onto LIMS.
• Support national surveillance programmes, reference services, and outbreak investigations through laboratory testing and data contribution.
• Collate, analyse, and present laboratory data for discussion and reporting.

Quality, Safety and Service Development

• Work in compliance with UKAS ISO 15189, internal quality systems, and UKHSA governance requirements.
• Participate in internal and external audits, EQA/IQA schemes, and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Maintain laboratory safety standards, including monitoring safety cabinets, equipment performance, and reporting incidents or near misses.
• Contribute to service development, continuous improvement, and implementation of new or revised laboratory methods.
• Support stock control, equipment maintenance, and service continuity planning.

Communication, Management and Training

• Communicate effectively with colleagues within STIRL, BRD, and wider UKHSA regarding procedures, results, and service delivery.
• Provide delegated supervision, support, or training to colleagues, students, or visitors as required.
• Participate in meetings, project work, and multidisciplinary discussions.
• Maintain professional competence through mandatory training, appraisal, and ongoing professional development.
• Uphold confidentiality, data protection, and UKHSA values in all aspects of work.

Essential criteria

• BSc (or equivalent) in a biological science
• HCPC registration, including evidence of CPD and certification (for NHS AfC T&Cs)
• Post-qualification laboratory experience in microbiology pathogens or antimicrobial susceptibility testing
• Experience of working in a laboratory environment, including use of pre-analytical techniques applicable to bacterial, serological, or molecular methods
• Experience using LIMS and common software packages (e.g. Microsoft Office, Access)
• Good communication and team-working skills, with the ability to organise own workload and delegate priorities where appropriate
• Self-motivated, organised, and meticulous, with the ability to problem-solve calmly and efficiently

Desirable criteria

• Experience and/or understanding of molecular assays, including RT-PCR, sequencing technologies, and serological assays
• Confident presentation of ideas and information, with strong analytical and organisational skills and attention to detail
• Leadership capability, including confidence in supporting or supervising junior staff
• Understanding of and commitment to equality, diversity, and good working relationships, in both day-to-day practice and management systems

Selection Process Details

This vacancy will be assessed using a competency-based framework which will assess your qualifications, knowledge and experience and / or skills and abilities outlined in the essential criteria.

Stage 1: Application & Sift

You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed 7 essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a:

• Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application)
• 700 word supporting statement.

This should outline how you consider your skills, experience and knowledge provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria. You will receive a joint score for your application form and statement. (The application form is the kind of information you would put into your C.V please be advised you will not be able to upload your CV. Please complete the application form in as much detail as possible). Please do not email us your CV.

Healthjobs UK has a word limit of 1500, but your supporting statement must be no more than 700 words. We will not consider any words over 700 words.

Longlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we may longlist into 3 piles of:

• Meets all essential criteria
• Meets some essential criteria
• Meets no essential criteria

If used, the pile Meets all essential criteria will proceed to shortlisting.

Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we may conduct an initial sift, on the lead criteria of:

• BSc (or equivalent) in a biological science
• Post-qualification laboratory experience in microbiology pathogens or antimicrobial susceptibility testing
• Good communication and team-working skills, with the ability to organise own workload and delegate priorities where appropriate

Desirable criteria may be used in the event of a large number of applications/large amount of successful candidates.

If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview & assessment.

Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Stage 2: Interview

You will be invited to a single face to face interview. If face to face interviews are planned, in exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.

Knowledge, experience, skills & abilities will be tested at interview.

Interviews dates to be confirmed.

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Location

This role is being offered as office/lab based at our Scientific Campus in Colindale. Please note hybrid working is not available for this role.

Security Clearance Level Requirement

Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Counter-Terrorist Check.

If based at our scientific campus, you will be required to have a Counter Terrorism Check security vetting check as a minimum. For meaningful National Security Vetting checks to be carried out individuals need to have lived in the UK for a sufficient period of time. You should normally have been resident in the United Kingdom for the last 3 years as the role requires Counter Terrorism Check (CTC) clearance. In exceptional circumstances UK residency less than the outlined periods may not necessarily bar you from gaining national security vetting and applicants should contact the Vacancy Holder/Recruiting Manager listed in the advert for further advice.

Eligibility Criteria

External: Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including internal applicants).

Salary Information

If you are successful at interview, and are moving from another government department, NHS, or Local Authority, the relevant starting salary principles for level transfers or promotions will apply. Otherwise, roles are offered at the pay scale minimum for the grade, but in exceptional circumstances there may be flexibility if you are able to demonstrate you are already in receipt of an existing, higher salary. Pay increases are through the relevant annual pay award for the role and terms.

If taking position on Civil Service T&Cs salary scale is £32,624- £37,737 (EO Inner)

If taking position on NHS AfC Band 5 T&Cs salary scale is £31,049-£37,796 (plus Outer HCAS payment)

Person Specification

Application form and supporting statement

Essential

• Application form and supporting statement

Interview

Essential

• Questions on knowledge, experience, skills & abilities

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Employer details

Employer name

UK Health Security Agency

Address

Scientific Campus/Lab

Colindale

NW9 5EQ

Employer's website

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency (Opens in a new tab)